Navigating GFSI Standards: Summary of the Differences and similarities between BRCGS, IFS, FSSC 22000 and GRMS

We often get the question – What is the best GFSI-standard for our site? To answer that question we have provided an overview of the similarities and differences between various GFSI-standards for a better understanding. When making the decision on what standard to select, there are several factors to consider, such as current and potential customers’ demands, current food safety system in place or preference of criteria.

In this article, we have summarized some GFSI scheme characteristics per scheme. We provide you with a comparison of the main global GFSI food processing standard: BRCGS, IFS, FSSC 22000, SQF and Global Red Meat Standard (GRMS).

In order to fully understand the requirements and differences, we recommend that you review the standards yourself and consider what it means to your organisation and activities.

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If you're interested in learning more about these standards or obtaining certification, reach out to your local Kiwa office for personalized assistance or contact us at food@kiwa.com.

Certification scheme	BRCGS Food	IFS Food	FSSC 22000	SQF	GRMS
Acccreditation schedule	ISO 17065	ISO 17065	ISO 17021	ISO 17065	ISO 17065
Normative documents	BRCGS Standard	IFS Standard	Three components: ISO 22000 Industry specific PRP specifications FSSC 22000 scheme requirements	SQF code that applies to the industry The SQF Code selector can assist in identifying the specific codes and modules	GRMS Standard
Mandatory Interpretations/guidelines	BRCGS Interpretation Guidelines BRCGS Position Statements	IFS Doctrine	BoS Stakeholder Decisions Interpretation articles	Food safety codes based on based on business needs and industry scope	GRMS Technical Update
System requirements	Food safety and quality	Food safety and quality	Food safety	Food safety and quality	Food safety and quality
Audit frequency	Every 6 or 12 months depending on the previous audit result	Every 12 months	Every 12 months	Every 6 or 12 months depending on the previous audit results	Every 12 months
Certification cycle	Recertification every year. Or six months based on the Grade of last audit	Recertification every year	Recertification every 3rd year, surveillance audits (annually) in between.	Recertification every year. Surveillance audit at 6 months if ‘C’ rating	Recertification every year
Unannounced audits	Every three audits Voluntary every audit	Every three years	One surveillance audit every three years	Every three years	Every three years
Non-conformance system	There are three levels of non-conformities: Major, minor and criticial	Deviation (B, C, D) / Major / Knockout	There are three levels of non-conformities: Major, minor and criticial	There are three levels of non-conformities: Major, minor and criticial	Findings are raked as followed: A: In full compliance, B: Area of concern, C: Minor, D: Major and K: Criticical
Scoring system of the audit	The BRCGS uses a grading system. Grade AA, A, B, C, D or uncertificated (depending on the number and level of the non-conformities)	Scoring system based on level of compliance of the requirement. Points are awarded for each requirement fulfilled. Final scoring as: Higher Level (total score is ≥ 95%) Foundation Level (total score is ≥ 75% and < 95%)	No scoring system is used. The option to either pass the audit or fail the audit when a critical non-conformity is issued	A scale of 0 to 100 determines the evaluation score. Total points scored based on non-conformities found.	The calculation of the level achieved is based on the ranking and the weighting of each requirement.
Auditor rotation requirement?	Rotation after 3 consecutive audits	Rotation after 3 consecutive audits	Rotation after 2 certification cycles (maximum of 6 years).	Rotation after 3 consecutive audits	Rotation after 3 consecutive audits
Standard owner website	www.brcgs.com	www.ifs-certification.com	www.fssc.com	SQFI \| Home	www.grms.org

Navigating GFSI Standards: Summary of the Differences and similarities between BRCGS, IFS, FSSC 22000 and GRMS

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